Jordan Land

Global Programs Coordinator

Education Background

BA Political Science, University of Kentucky '09

MA Middle Eastern Studies, American University of Paris '10

Travel Background

My first international travel occurred in 2010 when I left the great state of Kentucky to begin my graduate studies at the American University of Paris. After completing my degree there and traveling all over Europe and the Middle East while doing so, I returned to Kentucky for a year where I worked for the men's basketball team at the University of Kentucky. From there, I obtained what would become a 2 year position working with the US Military in the Middle East and Central Asia. Much of this time was spent in specific locations, but I also had an unbelievable opportunity to regularly visit and travel through many countries. Since returning to the US in 2013 I have worked exclusively in the field of study abroad, at two institutions prior to arriving at Miami in December of 2016. Beyond recurring travel to Europe and my experience in the Middle East and Central Asia, I traveled to Brazil on a month-long community exchange program in 2014 and extensively throughout South Korea in 2015. Next on my radar for a trip is Japan, and my dream destination is Antarctica.

My favorite international location (other than Luxembourg!) is Paris because of the extensive impact the city has made in my life. However, my "new favorite" locations are without a doubt Seoul, South Korea, Lisbon, Portugal, and Montenegro. Go and you'll see why!

Travel Tip

Like many major life decisions, there may not be a perfect time to travel and/or study abroad. If you are interested and passionate, use your available resources to make it happen when it CAN work. I made the mistake of procrastination while an undergraduate myself, deciding to study abroad my last semester at UK but it was too late by then. Don't make my mistakes! However, even if you miss the chance to travel as an undergraduate, others can arise.